Cantonment Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cantonment Martin |
|
|---|---|
| Cow Island, in present-day Atchison County, Kansas | |
| Type | U. S. Army post |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | U.S. Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | August or September 1818 |
| In use | August 1818 - October 1820 |
| Materials | cottonwood logs |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Capt. Wyly Martin, Maj. Willoughby Morgan |
| Garrison | 350-400 men |
Cantonment Martin was a temporary army camp built by the U.S. Army in 1818. It was located on Cow Island, which is now part of Atchison County, Kansas. This camp was set up to help a special exploration trip led by Stephen H. Long.
Contents
What Was Cantonment Martin?
Cantonment Martin was built quickly in August or September 1818. Soldiers used logs from cottonwood trees found on Cow Island. The camp was home to about 350 to 400 soldiers. Their main job was to support Stephen H. Long's expedition. The camp was used for about two years, from August 1818 until October 1820.
The Story of Cow Island
The island where Cantonment Martin was built was called "Isle au Vache" by the French. This name means "Island of the Cow." It got this name because a single cow was found there in the Missouri River. People thought Native Americans might have put it there, or it could have been a lost buffalo. Over time, the name became "Cow Island." This island no longer exists today. Its former location is now on the Kansas side of the Missouri River. It is between Atchison, Kansas, and Fort Leavenworth.
Stephen H. Long's Expedition
Stephen H. Long's expedition started from St. Louis, Missouri, in June 1819. He began with four boats, but one was lost in the river. The most important boat was the Western Engineer. This was a stern wheeler steamboat, meaning it had a paddle wheel at the back. Long's mission included holding peace talks between two Native American groups and the U.S. Army. The Native American groups agreed to stop attacking the Army.
The Camp's History
Long's men stayed at Cantonment Martin for the winter. They then continued their journey up the river. After they returned in October, the camp was no longer needed and was abandoned. It was briefly used again in 1826 and was called Camp Croghan at that time.
